COUNTY LIBRARIES

CITY LIBRARIES

COLLEGE LIBRARIES

Our Brand

For the first time in more than a decade, we’re unveiling a new brand—and we’re thrilled to invite you along on our latest adventure! Our services, collections, and spaces are constantly evolving to meet the needs of our community, and we’ve updated our look to reflect where we are today and where we hope to go in the future.

Shaped by our communities, the San Mateo County Libraries have become incomparable destinations for learning and growth. We’ve opened worlds of discovery and provided unmatched technological opportunities. As we continue to grow our commitment remains the same—but what we offer will only become more extraordinary. By redesigning our visual identity, this welcoming spirit and dedication to knowledge will continue to be reflected in everything we do.

Our new logo consists of a simple and imaginative “Burst of Knowledge” symbol representing the spread of information, our family of libraries, and radiating excitement that comes from experiencing something new. It also alludes to a central hub where shared ideas converge to ignite growth through transformative experiences.

Our corresponding brand tagline, Open for Exploration™, extends this spirit by conveying the essence of who we are, our mission, and our vision. It speaks to our various roles in the community, open access to information, a celebration of open-mindedness, and the welcoming atmosphere our patrons can expect to encounter.

With the adoption of these elements, we are excited to share our story with everyone who steps into our spaces or enjoys our services.

We have many locations, but we’re all part of one unified vision. In order to fully capture this, we’re making the switch from “San Mateo County Library” to “San Mateo County Libraries.” Each of our libraries is part of a larger family offering a world of opportunities, all accessible through a single card. Our name change makes this clear and allows us to more effectively stand together as one.

Our bright new look is a reflection of you—our community. So we’re welcoming you into our family of libraries to see the brand’s fresh burst of energy, and take part in fun activities that celebrate who we are together. Stop by for a new library card in your choice of four creative designs, and share your vibrant personality on one of our coloring bookmarks. Keep the excitement going with Open for Exploration™ Bingo and take part in a variety of experiences throughout our libraries. Each activity earns you one stamp. Complete a row to win a prize, or fill up the whole card for something really special!

We’re overjoyed to share our brand with you. Together, we will continue to strengthen our community by offering inclusive environments for learning and enriching experiences.

The San Mateo County Libraries are Open for Exploration™. Come discover something new today!